E353: Metatartaric Acid
Main role: wine stabilization
Also listed as: metatartaric acid preparation
What is E353 (Metatartaric Acid)?
Metatartaric acid E353 is a tartaric-acid-derived preparation used in wine stabilization. Its role is to limit unwanted tartrate crystallization rather than simply to make the wine more acidic.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is wine stabilization. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified wine stabilization
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E353, E 353, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include metatartaric acid preparation. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Tartrate crystals can be a wine-stability issue rather than evidence of contamination. E353 and ordinary tartaric acid E334 have related origins but different formulation purposes.
Is E353 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E353 as Metatartaric acid. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.